Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: creamy chicken and corn pasta with beef! This dish is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those nights when you want something hearty and satisfying. I remember the first time I made it; the creamy sauce and the sweet corn mixed with tender chicken and juicy beef just blew me away. It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that make every bite feel special. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! I love how versatile it is, too. You can throw in whatever veggies you have lying around, and it still comes out delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Beef
- 200g pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work great!)
- 150g chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 100g ground beef (feel free to use lean ground beef for a lighter option)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned – whatever you have on hand!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this is what makes it so creamy and dreamy!)
- 1 onion, chopped (a sweet onion adds a lovely flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better, right?)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing – it brings everything together)
- Salt to taste (I usually start with a pinch and adjust later)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked black pepper adds a great kick)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (because what’s pasta without a sprinkle of cheese?)
How to Prepare Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Beef
Alright, let’s get cooking! This creamy chicken and corn pasta with beef comes together beautifully, and I promise, you’re going to love how simple it is. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to cook your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in 200g of pasta and cook according to the package instructions—typically about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Make sure to give it a good stir occasionally to prevent sticking! Once it’s done, reserve a cup of pasta water (just in case you need it later), then drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Aromatics
Now, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Cooking the Chicken and Beef
Next, add in 150g of diced chicken breast and 100g of ground beef. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and the beef is nicely browned. Make sure everything is cooked through—nobody wants undercooked chicken, right?
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Now it’s time for the magic! Stir in 1 cup of corn kernels and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble away for about 5 minutes. This is where the flavors meld beautifully, so give it a good stir occasionally to keep it all mixed together.
Combining the Ingredients
Once that creamy sauce is ready, it’s time to bring it all together! Add your drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a luscious, creamy texture.
Final Seasoning and Serving
Finally, season your dish with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Serve it up hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. For a little extra flair, you can also add some fresh herbs like parsley or basil if you have them on hand. Enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads-up: the nutritional information provided here is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Different types of pasta, chicken, or heavy cream can change the calorie count and other nutritional values, so it’s always a good idea to check the packaging if you’re keeping an eye on specific dietary needs. Remember, cooking is all about enjoying what you eat, so don’t stress too much about the numbers—just savor every delicious bite of your creamy chicken and corn pasta with beef!
Tips for Success
To make your creamy chicken and corn pasta with beef absolutely perfect every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients. Fresh chicken and sweet corn really amp up the flavor, so use the best you can find. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
For the cooking process, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the onions and garlic; this helps them get that lovely golden color, which adds depth to the dish. And remember to taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning while cooking ensures you’ll end up with a well-balanced flavor. Lastly, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and enjoy them the next day—the flavors just get better!
Variations of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Beef
The beauty of creamy chicken and corn pasta with beef lies in its versatility! If you’re in the mood to switch things up, try using shrimp or even tofu for a different protein twist. For a lighter version, you could replace the heavy cream with a mixture of Greek yogurt and a splash of milk—still creamy but with a tangy kick!
You can also play around with herbs; fresh basil or thyme can add a delightful aroma. If you want a pop of color and nutrition, toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini. Feeling adventurous? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add just the right amount of heat. No matter how you tweak it, this dish is bound to impress! Enjoy experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving creamy chicken and corn pasta with beef, I love to keep things simple yet delicious! A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly to balance out the richness of the pasta. If you’re in the mood for some crunch, a warm crusty bread or garlic bread is a fantastic accompaniment for soaking up that creamy sauce. And don’t forget a nice glass of white wine or sparkling water to refresh your palate. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ About Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Beef
Can I make this creamy chicken and corn pasta with beef ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just keep it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen it up if needed.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want to lighten things up, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk. Just be careful not to let it boil too hard if you use yogurt, as it can curdle. But trust me, it’ll still be deliciously creamy!
Can I use different proteins in this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the chicken and beef for shrimp, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little cream or water to revitalize that creamy sauce!
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add any veggies you like—spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli would be fantastic additions. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic to get that flavor going. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients without losing any of that creamy goodness!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Beef: 5 Irresistible Ways
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy chicken and corn pasta dish with beef for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 150g chicken breast, diced
- 100g ground beef
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add chicken and beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in corn and heavy cream, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: creamy chicken and corn pasta with beef, pasta recipes, chicken recipes, beef recipes